Monday, October 30, 2017

Review of "Seven-Mile Miracle" by Steven Furtick

I thought it was unusual, but it took me awhile to get through this one. Normally, I race through the books of this author (I have read several in the past), but this one was different. However, when I finished I was truly grateful I stuck it out.

Focusing on the seven final phrases of Jesus before he died, Pastor Steven parallels the phrases to the phases of the journey of those who follow Christ. He writes in a very conversational style, including personal stories, the Scripture in question, and practical applications. There are also some thought provoking questions at the end of each "mile". Finally, you can reference the 40 day reading guide relating to Jesus' death and resurrection.

This book could easily be used as a devotional; each chapter is not overlong and have ample life application woven through them. The illustrative stories match the topic well, and everything is plainly spoken. You are motivated to find a deeper truth and I did ultimately get a lot out of it.

I am happy to recommend this book.

I was provided a copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.



stevenfurtick.com
https://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/537831/seven-mile-miracle-by-steven-furtick/#details

Review of "A Dangerous Legacy" by Elizabeth Camden

One of the things I most love about reading historical fiction is that you know the author must have done a tremendous amount of research to be able to paint a clear picture of what life was like during the time period in question - and Elizabeth Camden is one of the best at this, in my opinion. This book is no exception.

Lucy Drake and her brother Nick have been waging a legal and personal battle for many years; they are fighting not only for the legacy of their father and grandfather, but also for those who can't afford her grandfather's invention - a pump and valve method that allows water to go up to even the highest floors of the tenements. The "other side" of the family who currently controls the rights are mean, spiteful, and perhaps even a little crazy.

Lucy is a telegraph operator (and a Morse code expert) with an "upstart" news Agency, the Associated Press. Sir Colin Beckwith is a manager at the AP's rival, Reuters...and they actually work in the same building. However, sparks seem to always fly between them that are more of a personal nature rather than the work-rival context.

Sir Colin is desperate to marry an American heiress and thereby save his estate in England; so even though he might be able to love Lucy, he believes he cannot. Lucy has been driven and focused for so long on her cause that she may not be able to see other things in her life very clearly.

This book is incredibly well written and interesting. The characters are fully developed and believable. There is action, adventure, romance, injustice, surprises, and a great ending. It is very easy to recommend this book!

I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Review of "An Inconvenient Beauty" by Kristi Ann Hunter

The final book in the Hawthorne House Series. I am bereft. :/  Finishing (appropriately, IMO) with Griffith's story, we watch as his orderly systems, defined rules, and 'logical' thought processes simply do not serve him well when he decides that it's time to get married!

Now that The Duke of Riverton has seen his siblings settled, it's time to find a wife. He has methodically, mindfully made his choice of eligible ladies, and begins his suit. However, he never counted on the fact that his intended is not interested. Not only that, her gorgeous cousin Isabella is always around - and when he is not with either of them, Isabella is the one who is never far from his thoughts.

Isabella Breckenridge is crazy beautiful, but she has secrets. She is desperate to help her family, and her Uncle is desperate to have a law passed, so he proposes a deal: She will come to London and debut in Society, using her beauty to gain the ears of numerous powerful men - and he will then attempt to influence them to vote his way. If she does this, he will save her family farm and help her siblings go to school. Isabella feels as if she has no choice, so against her better judgment she agrees to the scheme.....but never counted on falling in love, or the deep conflict with integrity it will reveal.

This is a beautiful conclusion to a wonderful series! This novel can be read as a standalone but you will greatly benefit from reading them in order. The author brings a lighthearted but still meaningful touch to this Regency period story; the characters are incredibly likeable, and the layers of motivation are revealed masterfully. Another great book from Kristi Ann Hunter!

I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.